Women's Health Clinic

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A full array of women's health services, provided by Physician Assistants, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and physicians, is available to FAU students. Listed below are some of the services offered. These services are available to any student, regardless of which campus she attends.

HPV Vaccine Available

The HPV vaccine was developed to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases caused by certain types of genital human papillomavirus (HPV). FAU Student Health Services offers the vaccine which is given through a series of three shots over a six-month period. Please check out the Centers for Disease Control HPV Vaccine Questions & Answers sheet for more information.

Annual Examination

Annual women's health examinations are offered by appointment. These examinations may include urinalysis, blood pressure, weight, breast examination, pelvic examination, gonorrhea testing, chlamydia testing, checking for common vaginal infections and contraceptive management, as indicated. A pap smear may or may not be performed based upon the patient's age and medical history. Other lab tests may be done as needed.

Contraception

Prescriptions for hormonal contraception are available after evaluation and consultation with a health care provider. Birth control pills, the vaginal contraceptive ring, or contraceptive injection may be prescribed. Counseling regarding the various methods of birth control is available as well.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing

Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is available by appointment. These diseases include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, trichomonas, genital warts, herpes, pubic lice, scabies. HIV and hepatitis are also sexually transmitted. The provider and the patient together decide which tests are indicated, based upon which symptoms are present, possible exposure, and patient request. Not all sexually transmitted diseases have symptoms; therefore, if a woman has had unprotected intercourse (without a condom), she should consider having STI testing.

Instructions If You Are Having An Examination

If you make an appointment for an annual examination, pap smear or STI testing, do not urinate for two hours prior to your appointment time. Be sure you are not having your menstrual period on the day of the exam. Do not douche or use tampons or vaginal medications for two days before your examination and do not have sexual intercourse the two days prior to your examination. Be aware that the provider will talk with you and answer any questions you have before the examination. She/he will explain in detail what to expect if this is your first examination. Feel free to stop by Student Health Services and request a handout on pelvic examinations.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception, "the morning after pill", can help reduce the chance of becoming pregnant after unprotected intercourse. It is not as effective as regular birth control methods, such as oral contraceptives. It needs to be taken within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex; the sooner it is taken, the more effective it is. Examples of women who may benefit from emergency contraception include: women who have had intercourse against their will, condom broke or came off, no condom or other method was used, more than two birth control pills were missed, or the new pack of birth control pills was started late. Emergency contraception may be obtained at a local drug store.

Breast Care

Breast examinations are performed in Student Health Services. Orders for mammograms and ultrasounds are provided as indicated. The student is responsible for payment for any tests done outside of our facility.

Gynecological Procedures

A Board-certified Gynecologist consults with the Student Health Services staff and performs certain gynecological procedures in the Student Health Services clinic on the Boca campus.

Diagnostic Procedures

Contracted diagnostic ultrasound and certain monitoring services are available in the Boca campus Student Health clinic as well. These services are available with special pricing for FAU students.

Self Care

Educational pamphlets covering a wide variety of medical/health issues are available for students in the clinic and Owls Care Health Promotion which may assist with self-care and decision making.